But thanks to the 764 dogs that wore bandanas, the ACT has broken a Guinness World Record – with almost twice as many dogs wearing the scarves as there were at the record created in Canada last year.

It was the walk's 22nd year in the ACT, but the territory's first attempt to break the bandana world record of 364 dogs.

RSPCA chief executive Tammy Ven Dange said the record attempt was designed to give dog-lovers a new reason to attend the annual 5 kilometre lakeside walk.

"It does get to point where people say, 'I've done it, did it and have the T-shirt,' and oftentimes people do it just because their dogs love it," she said.

"A lot of dog owners are always looking for ways they can participate in something with their pets and luckily Canberra is a really dog-friendly community."

As of Saturday night, 4148 people and 2552 dogs had registered online for the walk – about 370 more than in 2014, Ms Ven Dange said, plus more registered on the day.

But it wasn't just dogs that enjoyed their moment in the sun.

"I'm not sure what else was out there, but I saw a miniature pony … and someone with five ferrets," Ms Ven Dange said.

"I didn't see any cats this year … [they're] not recommended, but most owners do self-regulate.

"If they know they have a dog that doesn't get on with other animals … most owners realise their pet's not going to have a good day if they come out."

Fundraising lower than expected

Fundraising was slightly down on previous years, with just over $31,000 collected as of Sunday afternoon. However, Ms Ven Dange anticipated the boost in registrations would mean more essential funds for the local RSPCA branch than previous years.

"We can't do our normal day job without big fundraisers like this," she said.

"People have no idea how much it costs on a weekly basis just to hit payroll."

Ms Ven Dange said so far this year RSPCA inspectors had brought 800 animals to the ACT's only shelter and the costs of their care added up.

"We don't put down animals for space … a large number have medical issues and we've got 30 cases going through prosecution," she said.

"On top of that, we take in abandoned and lost animals."

Ms Ven Dange said the record attempt was more complicated than first thought for organisers, with 171 volunteers needed to marshal dogs and owners into groups of 100 and to ensure they stayed assembled for five minutes during the official count as per the rules.

The RSPCA will announce a new event for cats in October or November, Ms Ven Dange said, after its next fundraiser cupcake day in July.